The large ebony Thoroughbred stud came galloping in, his motions a complete blur as he flashed in. He slowed to a skidding halt once he noticed the house. He had been set free by some other human, whom thought he should be running free than competing in races. It was a rather dumb thing to do, since he was a champion, whom had competed all around the globe. He had won much money in his lifetime, and was now here to find himself anoter racing life, with new humans. He didnt't know if the ones here would have heard of him, but he would try to see if he could get his decent racing career back. Neighing loudly, he stamped a forehoof on the ground and impatiently waited for any two-leggeds to come.

John had gotten back from a recent vacation out of the Valley. He had brought his collie, Timber, along with him to be trained. Now the two were walking along the gravel road that led to the Ranch house when Timber spotted the stallion. His harks were thrown forward and a single bark was issued. Almond eyes turned anxiously to John, who also noticed the horse. "Circle 'em, Timber. Gentle now." The teen ordered.

Timber picked up on 'Circle' and 'Gentle', knowing those two words from his extensive training. Bounding across the ground in a flash of black and white, the collie made a wide circle around Ebony Streak and slowed to a stop. His head was up and his mouth hung open. "Are you lost?"

John was now walking slowly towards the stallion, watching his movements closely. If Ebony didn't fright, John would move closer.

The pair stood back quite a ways, closer to the Ranch house, watching the teenager and his dog interface with the horse. They stood at such an angle that John could see them if he turned, but far enough away for the horse to know that they could do him no harm before he could escape. Tahmores just wanted to ask John where his mother was, and did not want to risk the boy getting hurt, which might happen if Tahmores and Elder Brother frightened the horse. And so they stood back, watching, waiting, Brother ready to help if necessary but mostly staying back.

Artemis padded slowly towards John, but kept away at the same distance as the new boy and the wolf. Her eeys twinkled with a curious light as her nose lowered to the ground and she padded slowly towards them. Her plume swayed in a friendly way, though she had never met neither of them in her life before.

Brother noticed the pup first, and waved his tail in a friendly manner, speaking softly. Well hello, little one. I am Elder Brother, Brother to almost everyone I know. What brings a wolf pup here?

By this time, the boy caught sight of Artemis, and sat down quietly, moving slowly, head cocked to one side in his version of wolven curiousity. A light whine served for a hello, and hands lay placidly upon the ground, palm up. He hadn't seen pups in so long; not since Brother was a pup himself. He thought it might be nice to meet her, if she did not fear him.

"I like the two leggers!" her small voice spoke quickly. When she saw the human go the the ground her dial turned, dial cockign to the sidebefore she rushed towards him. She yipped a few times, her bod stopping before she crashed into him. Her small wet nose sniffed his hands, then his facial features, before she sat back on her haunches, letting her tongue hand out of her mouth, plume swaying rapidly.

Brother smiled, his voice still soft and gentle. Yes, they are almost lovable sometimes. He watched carefully as the pup charged Tahmores, but he could see it was a friendly charge, and so let it go, smiling and letting his tongue loll out in a laugh. Sweet little one, this.

Tahmores was watching the exchange calmly when the pup pelted toward him, shaking with laughter as she ran the cold nose over his skin. He reached down, scratching her ears in a friendly way and dipping his head so she could take a whiff at his face and hair. Once she had finished her inspection, he reached out and flicked the end of her nose gently with one finger, not a displinary action, but one of play. He let out his own yip of delight, letting his eyes smile. His voice was not quite that of a wolf's, but it was as close as a human larynx could come. Well, such a sweet one you are, pack-sister, he murmured softly.

John was so focused on the horse that he didn't realize the others were gathering nearby until he heard their mirth. Turning with a start, he was relieved to see it was only Tahmores and Elder Brother, along with a pup. John hadn't gotten the time to get to know the other human, but he was simply awed by the way Tahmores was in tune with nature. "Have you gotten yourself a new friend?" He questioned lightheartedly before turning his focus back on the horse.

Timber had known the others were there, but he too remained alert to the task at hand. Wait a minute... The collie thought suddenly, staring hard at Artemis as he remembered her. "I sure hope your mother isn't around here..." He called lightly, but his voice was rather serious. He didn't want his master harmed.

For awhile she leapt at Tahmores, playing with soft pupy growls, her plume swaying quickly all through this. However timbers words made her halt. her flag also stopping the motion. Her nares twitched, looking for her mother, though she did not catch her scent "I don't smell mommy..." Her voice was soft, realizing the harm she could be causing these humans just by being here. But she liked the ranch already, and the human touch was omthign no wolf could give. She would stay, and that was final.

Tahmores answered John quietly, deftly avoiding Artemis' mock attacks as he replied I don't know what it is about the youngsters. They like me for some reason. But yes, it does look like I have a friend.

Brother, after twitching his nose to make sure that the wolf Timber spoke of was not nearby, spoke quietly to the young one. I take it your mother is well known here? As a... shall we say...less than desirable character? But you are not that way. I feel it in you. You like it here, you love the humans. You are different.

Tahmores, seeing the pup's discomfort, reached out a gentle hand to pull deft fingers gently through the pup's coat, murmuring quietly, Easy, little one. No one will hurt you if you do no harm. And I can't imagine a little sprite like you hurting anyone.

John shook his head, "You're lucky! I'd probably be getting attacked right now." The teen laughed jokingly. He had gotten attacked countless times by raiding wolves and dogs, and had even paid a hospital visit for a particularly nasty encounter.

Timber sniffed at the air, but alas, could not find the mother's scent. "Are you alone, then?" He remembered back in the day when so many pups showed up at the ranch and became pets. It had been a long time since another one showed up, so Timber was leaning on the hope that Artemis might stay.

Tahmores let his eyes smile, and spoke again. Nonsense. You just don't know how to speak to them. I have the advantage there. You've seen the way your mother's little companion is with me. She doesn't particularly like me, but she knows that I will do no harm. I will have to teach you sometime how to speak with them. Besides, I think that this little one is different. She seems to be perfectly comfortable here.

Brother waited for Timber to finish his examination. He and the dog had a sort of peace, and he would not risk making an enemy of him by attempting to sway the dog either way as to Artemis. Timber would have to make that decision.

The princess looked to Timber, nodding to his next question. "I came alone. My family is not fond of this area... but I like it!" As she spoke her last words showed her obvious attraction to this place, and a willingness to live here as a pet. She was young, naive, and perfect capable of making choices. This had been one.